Ottawa Humane Society short $250K at the end of the season

There are hundreds of animals that won’t have a forever home this Christmas.

The Ottawa Humane Society said in a press release that it is currently caring for almost 500 animals, a 20 per cent increase from the same time last year. More than ever animals need shelter and care, which coincides with the increasing number of people also needing the same in the nation’s capital.

Although generous donations continue, the Humane Society stresses how the Canada Post strike impacted it.

“The postal disruption lifted this week, and I am very hopeful that our supporters who give through the mail will come through in a big way for the animals,” the press release notes.

According to an email to CityNews, the charity is short $250,000 by the end of the season, although since 55,000 Canada Post employees were forced back to work on Tuesday, the organization has received many donations.

With the temperatures dropping this weekend, Sharon Miko, president and CEO of the Ottawa Humane Society, says more funding is “critical.”

The organization relies heavily on community support to provide “life-saving care and second chances” to Ottawa’s homeless animals. Its wellness clinics have provided for 70 per cent more pets and the pet food bank has given 20 per cent more food this year.

“Donor dollars also help us return lost pets home to their families, provide shelter to pets of people going through crisis, and create a safety net for animals of all shapes and sizes in our community,” she said. “These services are a lifeline not just for animals, but also for the people who love them.”

It is about $34 per day for each animal the charity serves, and about 70 per cent of the operating budget is reliant on donor dollars.

One of those animals is Fern, a 1-year-old lab mix who came into the organization’s care this summer. She was found on Old Carp Road lost and alone, and the Humane Society notes she was very skinny.

After months of “love and care” to restore Fern’s health, the puppy was matched with her forever family just in time for the holidays.

To donate people can head to the humane society’s website or call in at 613-725-3166 ext. 299.